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Bardez FC hold Vasco SC to a thrilling 2-2 draw

Goa Pro League match action between Bardez FC and Vasco SC. (Photo courtesy: Vidhant Kadam / Goa Football Association)
Goa Pro League match action between Bardez FC and Vasco SC. Photo courtesy: Vidhant Kadam / Goa Football Association

Sonam Bhutia scored a 89th minute equaliser as Bardez FC held Vasco Sports Club to a thrilling 2-2 draw in a Goa Professional League match played at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Friday.

Cho Lepcha had given Bardez FC a 27th minute lead but Vasco SC scored two second half goals through Lenston Afonso and Aman Govekar. Sonam Bhutia equalised for Bardez FC.

“I would have been satisfied with three points as our players performed extremely well today as compared to our previous matches. However, a point is also important and we will hopefully perform in similar fashion in the upcoming games,” said Bardez FC Head Coach and Managing Director Savio Roy D’Souza.

Bardez started the match on cautious note and put up a decent display as compared to their previous performance which came as a surprise to Vasco SC. Bardez used their width in attacking the Port Towners and scored the first in the 27th minute when Richard Cardoz played in aerial ball to Cho Lepcha, who headed straight past the helpless Vasco keeper.

The second half saw a different transformed Vasco SC as Moises DSa, who came in as a second half substitute changed the whole game for Vasco SC. He along with Inacio commanded the midfield and Vasco levelled terms through Lenston Afonso when Moises’ cross was guided in by the former to make it 1-1 in the 68th minute. Vasco had their chances but Moises’ close range shot was brilliantly save by Bardez FC keeper Royal.

Up by a goal, Vasco SC soon took the lead when Inacio delivery in the box was guided in by fully stretched Aman Govekar.

But Bardez FC didn’t give up as they constantly raided the Port Towners Ong Lepcha and Cho Lepcha tirelessly working in the midfield. In the closing stages of the game, Bardez had series of corners which were perfectly deliver by Richard but Vasco SC defence were at their best and cleared the danger in time. Vasco keeper Sanju Thapa came with a fine save to deny Richard, as his cross cum shot was timely parried by the custodian. Finally in the 89th minute, Richard once again came with his trade mark cross which was finally drilled in by Sonam Bhutia to draw level.

Vasco SC Technical Director Ravish Narvekar said, “We were lucky not to concede in the dying minutes of the game and walk away with a point. Today Bardez FC played a good game.”

(Goa Football Association)